Hiking in the Caucasus mountains. Hiking in the Caucasus Hiking in the Caucasus
We bring to your attention reviews and impressions of participants in the May 2016 campaign in the Caucasus.
Alexey, Moscow
This is my first trip to the mountains, it’s hard to describe in words the emotions that you experienced throughout the entire trip, it would seem only 4 days... 4 days that partially change you from the inside. Much has been written and said like this, but in reality you really reconsider yourself and come back a little different person and believe me, this person has only become better!
On the very first day we started rafting down the river, boarding a catamaran and moving towards the water elements, I absolutely did not know and had no idea what lay ahead of me, this was my first experience and despite the fact that I was wearing shorts and in a light jacket, the cold of the water was absolutely not felt, the adrenaline was warming with all my might, I concentrated only on rowing, tried to follow all the instructor’s commands, there is always a chance of capsizing, this only added fire to the water, how well you will pass depends on each person in the crew this or that threshold, it greatly unites people!
Conquering the mountains is another test, there is a great atmosphere on the climb, everyone helps and encourages each other, if someone is a little behind, they definitely wait before moving on. Since it was rapidly getting dark, it was decided to set up camp on the foothills of Oshten and there, personally, I still have one interesting moment in my memory. I have always been quite scrupulous in terms of food, there are a lot of foods that I absolutely do not eat, for example lard, but when you tramp up the mountain with an incredibly heavy backpack on your back, a sandwich with a centimeter piece of lard becomes for you the best food in the world, very interesting and pleasant feeling).
It makes no sense to describe the ascent to Oshten itself, and to be honest, I don’t want to, these emotions simply cannot be conveyed, you’ll feel them when you go), it sounds banal, but it’s true.
Upon reaching the top of the mountain, those who reached it earlier than the rest brightly greeted the people who were just climbing. And here is the finale, that same joint photo of the Vandals that is taken on every trip. The main goal has been accomplished, it’s time to return to camp, pack your things and leave for the world of offices and routine work.
If you have a desire to travel, conquer heights and mountain rivers, DON'T WAIT! Don’t wait for friends, or for some special moment, I myself waited and could have waited for a very long time until I made the decision to go on a hike at all costs on these May days. Just throw away all unnecessary thoughts, start packing your backpack and hit the road, or look further beautiful photos vkontakte, those who have already decided long ago. Again, these seem like banal pretentious words, but think about what your free weekends and vacations are spent on. Perhaps you are spending it on the wrong things?
In conclusion, I’ll say that I was planning to spend money and go to a music festival this summer, so I’ll probably postpone this event...
Such trips are addictive and personally I’m already hooked.
I'm waiting for the announcement of the Vandals' new campaign!
Alexander, Vologda
Thanks to the Vandals project, I realized my old dream - I visited the mountains, rafted down a mountain river and climbed to the top. During the trip, I met interesting people, experienced a lot of positive emotions, and gained invaluable experience. The only negative is the everyday life I miss the extreme experience experienced on the hike! Getting ready for the next...
Ekaterina Moscow
Returning from another trip with the Vandals, sorting out your things, looking through photographs, sorting the souvenirs you brought, you realize that all the most vivid impressions remain “behind the scenes.”
Not a single material thing can compare or convey the emotions and feelings that you will experience while traveling. 
From the very first day, when you just meet with the whole team and there are kilometers of road ahead of you, a whole bunch of funny stories, and discussions of a variety of topics, you understand that you made the right choice by going on a hike with the Vandals.
The trip program consisted of two parts: rafting and climbing mountain peak Oshten. And it seems that not a single word written in the future will be able to convey what happened in these four days.
No words can describe the sensations that you experience during a night rafting, when in front of you you see only the seething elements into which you are about to find yourself, you feel everything, fear, adrenaline, and pride in yourself that you coped with this by the elements. Then, as a reward, you get cozy gatherings around the fire with hot tea and chatting with friends.
And climbing the mountain was one of the most difficult tests of the hike.
The weight of the backpack on your back makes itself felt after half an hour of climbing to the base camp, but you continue to walk despite the fatigue and difficulty of the path, because ahead of you lies all the greatness of nature, which can be observed from the top of the mountain. What shocked me most was the night sky in the mountains. You see not just stars, you see a whole world that is hidden from us in the everyday life of the city. Stars in the mountains are something that no camera can photograph, something that not a single word of admiration can convey; you need to see it with your own eyes. This is beauty to tears...
Now I understand all these quotes about travel that tell us that everything material is nothing compared to what travel can give us...
These four days of the hike are like one small story that united all the participants into one whole, and it will remain with us and with each of us forever.
Special thanks for the excellent photos
Hiking in the Caucasus, even the simplest ones, cannot be called an easy walk. The weather here changes very often, and constant elevation changes and long treks can exhaust even experienced travelers. The requirements for equipment are also high: ordinary sneakers can fail on difficult rocky trails, and a cheap tent cannot withstand heavy mountain winds. This article will help you decide on the list equipment and clothing that are worth taking with you on a hike.
So the basic equipment you will need is tent, backpack And sleeping bag. Their choice must be approached especially carefully, because your comfort throughout the trip will depend on them.
Main requirements for tent– water resistance and wind resistance. The first is measured in millimeters of water. It is advisable to take a tent with a water resistance value greater than 5000 mm. The arches (frame) are responsible for wind resistance. For hiking in the Caucasus, it is permissible to take tents with fiberglass poles, but it is even better if the frame is aluminum. The latter option is more expensive, but at the same time more reliable and lighter. In any case, do not buy cheap tents in supermarkets - they definitely will not withstand even one trip to the Caucasus.
If you don't have a tent, don't worry. It can be rented. The cost of one place will be approximately 1 dollar/night.
Now about backpacks. The main thing is that it is durable and comfortable. If you have a new backpack, try to “break it in” before the hike, otherwise the straps may chafe a lot during the first days. Another important parameter is the presence of a rain cover. If it is not there, you should take the raincover separately. The volume of a backpack for a hike in the Caucasus should be 60 - 80 liters. When choosing a backpack, give preference to well-known manufacturers of hiking equipment - in this case, it is more likely that the backpack will withstand the hike.
Sleeping bag- Another important piece of equipment. When choosing, make sure that the sleeping bag is well-sewn, the fabric does not get caught in the zipper, has no defects on the fabric, and is equipped with a tightening cord on the hood. But, of course, the main parameters are comfort and extreme temperatures. The first one means the temperature in the tent at which you can sleep comfortably, and the second one means the temperature at which you will be cold, but at least you will not get hypothermia. Naturally, you should focus on the comfort temperature. To hike in the Caucasus it should be 0 degrees Celsius. If the route does not go to high altitudes, you can limit yourself to a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of +5 degrees.
Another important thing is a sleeping mat - karemat. The most ordinary Izhevsk mattress will do.
Now about the auxiliary equipment. It is advisable to have trekking poles - with them, part of the load is transferred to your hands, and walking will be much easier. You also need to have a headlamp, sunscreen and sunglasses, chapstick, a towel, and a water flask. Don't forget the utensils - plate, spoon, knife and cup. The dishes should be light and durable.
Next about clothes. The most important thing is shoes. For a hike in the Caucasus you need good trekking boots, which will be quite durable and at the same time comfortable. Therefore, they must be separated before starting the trip. Take flip-flops as a second pair - they will be useful for walking around the camp and fording rivers.
Be sure to take membrane pants and a jacket - they will help you not get wet during the rains. Also take a down jacket or a warm sweater. You will spend the night in them. It is also advisable to take extra warm pants for sleeping. And for transitions you will need fleece, several T-shirts and lighter pants. It’s also worth taking a long-sleeved shirt - it will save your hands from sunburn.
You definitely need to take a winter hat and gloves - you will sleep in them. You also need one more headdress - a buff, a cap or a Panama hat - for transitions.
To store documents and money, make sure you have sealed bags that are not afraid of moisture.
Everything listed above is enough for regular trekking in the Caucasus. But for ascension it is necessary and special equipment. The list includes an ice axe, crampons, a harness, a descender, a jumar and three carabiners. It is also advisable to have a ski mask that will protect your face from the wind and sun. Almost everything on this list can be rented immediately before the ascent.
You can always discuss any questions regarding equipment with us, and we will be happy to help you!
Elbrus (Russia, 5642 m) is the highest peak of the Greater Caucasus, in the Lesser Caucasus the highest is Aragats (Armenia, 4090 m).
With you can:
climb Elbrus (Russia), Kazbek (Georgia) or Aragats (Armenia);
go hiking in the Caucasus in Russia: around Elbrus, from Teberda to Arkhyz, Bolshoi and Maly Tkhach, to Hot Springs or Lago-Naki.
go hiking in the Caucasus in Georgia: Tusheti and Khevsureti or Svaneti.
go hiking in the Caucasus in Abkhazia: along the Kodori Gorge, Arabika and Ritsa, Avadhara and New Athos.
Armenia
To go hiking in the Caucasus in the mountains of Armenia, citizens of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine do not need a visa. To enter the country, you need a foreign passport, the expiration date of which must be no earlier than 3 months after the date of your planned return.
Hiking in the Caucasus | Armenia:
Georgia
To go hiking in the Caucasus in Georgia, citizens of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine do not need a visa. To enter the country, you need a foreign passport, the expiration date of which must be no earlier than 3 months after the date of your planned return.
Hiking in the Caucasus | Georgia:
 | |
| Trekking around Svaneti May holidays- this is a lightweight version of the Mountain Svaneti route especially for lovers of Georgia and Caucasus mountains those wishing to go camping during the May holidays. In May, Georgia is especially contrasting and beautiful - there is snow on the peaks, and gardens are blooming by the sea. | |
 | |
| Trekking from Khevsureti to Tusheti. On the way we will see the legendary Kazbek, the picturesque mountain Abudelaur lakes, natural monument colorful Truso travertines, visit wineries in the Alazani Valley and see many ancient towers. | |
 | |
| Megrelia | Lake Tobavarchkhili is a land of untouched nature, along which we will walk lightly - a hike without backpacks. All our things will be carried by horses. There is underground caves, mountain lakes, tropical forests and magnificent waterfalls. | |
 | |
| Mountain Svaneti is wild high mountains, pristine nature and hospitable people are the guardians of this region. There are many here medieval towers on the mountain slopes, and in the river valleys there are colorful villages. Here we will see from close up the “Matterhorn of the Caucasus” - a difficult to climb, but picturesque peak of Ushba, and also taste local cuisine, Georgian wine and relax by the sea. | |
 | |
| Climbing the icy, harsh peak of Kazbek (5033m), which has always attracted and continues to attract strong-willed climbers. We will go from the Georgian side along the classic route, where the climb will be physically easier, but more technical. | |
Russia
Hiking in the Caucasus | Russia:
 | |||
| Climbing Elbrus - if you are ready to challenge yourself, dream of conquering highest peak Caucasus and all of Russia, then it’s time to realize this dream and join the team of climbers to this serious and so alluring peak. We go the classic route - from the south, and before the ascent we will go through a fascinating acclimatization trekking in the Elbrus region. | |||
 | |||
| Thirty or Lago-Naki - on this hike we will feel the power of the Caucasus mountains and see their beauty with our own eyes, without having any special alpine skills. The route of this hike in the Caucasus passes through the Lago-Naki plateau, which is famous for its very beautiful alpine meadows. The procedure for entry and obtaining permission to enter Abkhazia is posted on the official website of the Consular Service of the Republic of Abkhazia. Hiking in the Caucasus | Abkhazia:
| |||
The Caucasus Mountains are one of the amazing places, which every person should definitely visit, and more than once! And not just for a couple of days, but for at least a week, to take in their grandeur and unique landscape! This is exactly what we were able to experience at the most popular route Thirty in August 2016.
First day. Meeting. The village of Kamennomostsky. "Long live the waterfalls!"
Our hike began with a meeting at Krasnodar 1 station. We were met by conductor Evgeniy Pavlovsky. His first reaction was to my two backpacks: “Do you have that much stuff for two of you?” - he asked. My answer surprised him very much. I answered: “Of course, for one, just food in one, and things in the other. Nothing superfluous, everything is according to the list. Everything then has to fit into one.” During the hike I realized why I had caused so much surprise on his part, and that the main reason was too many things.On three mountain minibuses, our group was in the village of Kamennomostsky in 2.5 hours Krasnodar region, and from there to Khadzhokhskaya Gorge to the Rufabgo waterfalls. From here you could enjoy the Belaya mountain river and the rising ridges of the local mountains.
Many of our group decided to swim at the waterfalls. Especially after the intense heat and the long journey on minibuses, this helped to understand that the hike had started successfully.
Day 2. Caucasian reserve Lago-Naki. Lago-Naki plateau. Instructor's Gap.
The second day was very eventful. We were brought to the checkpoint of the Lago-Naki nature reserve, from where a full-fledged hiking trip through the Caucasus Mountains began.At first everyone was amazed by the amazing view of the mountains from the observation deck. Many have already realized that they are finally in the mountains, and the hike will be bright and unforgettable.
For several hours we walked along the plateau from spring to spring, making small stops and communicating with each other. Our path ran past karst sinkholes, in which lay snow that had not yet melted from the winter. There was neither a tree nor a bush around. Small hills with white snow spots were visible on the horizon.
In the evening, we arrived at our campsite, at Instructor's Gap, where we immediately set up tents, fetched water from a mountain spring and began to cook dinner on gas, since there was no firewood nearby. Many of the same tourist groups gathered here.
The evening was spent in a close circle mountain tourists, sang different songs with a guitar, talked and looked at the scattering of stars in the sky.
Day 3. Climbing Mount Oshten.
Early in the morning, after oatmeal with condensed milk, our gang set off to conquer Mount Oshten, 2804 m high. A distinctive feature of the mountain is a huge bowl covered with snow.The conquest began with a small hill, the climb of which seemed endless to me personally. Step by step, our group finally reached its top, but our journey did not end there. We now had to walk along the ridge of Oshten itself all the time upward. Here I would like to especially mention trekking poles. With their help it was much better to go up the mountain. Plus, because of my knee, the poles were a real lifesaver. way back, on the way down the mountain.
What a stunning view opened up after the tired but unbroken tourists reached the very top of the mountain! Here you truly expand your worldview, you feel all the power and at the same time the indescribable grandeur of the mountains. This is one of those moments when you want to stay, dream, determine your purpose in this world!
From the top of Oshten, in clear weather, you can see Mount Fisht, which is not much higher than Oshten, and also get a gorgeous panorama of the Caucasian mountain ranges and passes.
For some reason the way back seemed shorter to me than the ascent. Despite this, our entire group, together with our instructor, was caught for the first time by a powerful thunderstorm front with hail.
We spent the rest of the trip in the rain. By evening the sky cleared and the sun came out again.
Day 4. Forced march to Mount Fisht. Shelter Fisht. Radial to the lower glacier.
On this day, we got ready early again and went to the Fisht shelter. The path ran along a winding narrow path. Left mountain ranges like the huge backs of whales in the ocean, and on the right is the mighty Oshten.
Along the way, we managed to swim for the first time in a mountain lake with fairly warm water.
Closer to lunch we came to observation deck, from which one could clearly see the shelter itself. The time to get to the shelter took a very long time, despite the fact that we got there on a positive note. Along the way, we each took a log in our hands and, loaded, approached the shelter.
How we later had to rescue things from under the tent during a heavy downpour and thunderstorm is a different story. Most importantly, try to place your tent as high as possible and on grass or rocks if possible. In the lowlands of the shelter, in case of rain, real rivers and streams form, ready to destroy everything in their path!
The radial route took about 2 hours. Together with Evgeniy, we visited the foot of Fisht, took some excellent photographs against the backdrop of the mountain, and overcame a rather difficult section consisting of mighty stones and boulders. The sticks helped again!
We spent the evening in the gazebo, playing the guitar and singing songs. Someone even managed to dance Lezginka with the local population. In general, everything went great!
Day 5. Climbing the Fisht-Oshtenovsky pass, Lake Psenodakh.
This day was a real challenge for me and I think for many. The road was not particularly extreme, but due to the constant rise and the feeling that the rise was still not ending, I had to endure a lot and move on. When you have overcome this distance, you realize that you are capable of something more, even if your backpack is ready to burst from the load! Despite this, our entire group successfully reached the end of the pass. In the end, we didn’t lose anyone!
By lunchtime we approached the beautiful, very cold mountain lake Psenodakh. The brave ones decided to take a swim. We settled down next to the lake for lunch. For each lunch we had 2 sticks of sausage, 2 loaves of bread, 2 cans of corn and peas, 3 circles of cheese, canned fish, and for dessert - delicious dates and nuts. It turned out very tasty in a camp style, there were always enough calories until the evening!
Day 6. Another beautiful waterfall. Ski slope. Overnight on the rock.
We visited a 200-meter waterfall flowing from the cave of Fisht himself. The spectacle was amazing; many of our group swam under the powerful cool stream of water.
After overcoming the last climb (Evgeniy himself finally told us this), we again saw the mountain ranges from a different angle and, of course, heard the approaching thunderstorm again. In general, thunderstorms in the mountains are a very frequent phenomenon; the frequency is on average a day. We also had to test the equipment again. Many had long raincoats, which were either torn or dangling in the wind like a sail. Our guide had an exemplary raincoat - a poncho raincoat with a hump under a backpack. This raincoat is not afraid of any rain, and there was no need to worry about things at all.
Our path lay along a path marked with signs past a building under construction ski resort President of the Russian Federation, where, as they say, there are no direct roads and where everything is delivered by helicopter.
The highlight of this day was an unexpected overnight stay right on the rock! The wind was very strong, and all participants in route 30ka were forced to secure their tents to the ground with all the stakes. Our things dried very quickly after the rain. Our instructor wore sandals the entire time and felt very comfortable in them. I was wearing new Bona sneakers, which I tested dried very quickly and did not chafe my feet.
Day 7. Circassian booths. Fun descent. Overnight at Babuk-Aul.
The overnight stay was excellent. The wind died down in the morning, and bright sunshine and a delicious breakfast from Evgeniy awaited us. We passed by the Circassian booths and began to walk through the forest past huge trees. Then, after a few stops along the trail, the Fun Descent began, which was clearly not that fun for everyone. But the instructor led us further and further. Cyclists flew past, also traveling along this route, but without tents. They traveled from one shelter to another, where they spent the night. So there is also an opportunity to overcome the Thirtyadka route.The final destination was Babuk-Aul, which was an area, the main part of which was covered with a lawn - a place for placing tents. Nearby there were several houses and terraces with barbecues for cooking. The main thing is that there was also a shower with hot water. As evening approached there were more and more people.
The songs on the guitar did not stop until the night.
Day 8. The final part of the route. Descent to the sea. Stop at Uch-Dere beach.
In the morning at about seven o'clock we already started moving towards the final checkpoint of the Caucasus Nature Reserve. It was necessary to leave its territory before 9.00, since construction of the road began. Thanks to the prudent Evgeniy, we managed to do everything and settled down for breakfast on the bank of a mountain river.We had to walk another 12 km to the bus stop, but then we were suddenly offered a ride in an army truck with two GAZ 66 benches. After long discussions and voting, everyone agreed to pay extra and go with the breeze. The only downside was that we waited a long time for the car, but it was worth it in the end!
We got to Dagomys by bus, and from there by train one stop to Uch-Dere.
We set up our tents right on the beach, and in the evening we enjoyed a final dinner and a spectacular sunset!
I would like to say a special thank you to our hardy and true hiking guru Evgeniy Pavlovsky. Thanks to him, I understood what a mountain hike is, I was convinced from my own experience what you need to know and be able to do while hiking and, most importantly, that traveling is cool and unforgettable!
Several main conclusions on the 30ka route
- 1. Take a minimum of things, since you will carry all these things on you during the entire hike. The main thing is to have a good backpack in which you can fit everything, and which will not tear under the load. My Chinese backpack barely survived this trip; I had to sew the straps on several times.
- 2. Trekking poles are very helpful on a hike. Especially if you have problems with your knees, poles are very helpful. Also, in slippery areas or rocky areas, poles can be very helpful.
- 3. It is better to take shoes that are light and quick-drying. Many of us were wearing trekking boots, but if the boots got wet, they took a very long time to dry. You can take sneakers, as they dry quickly, are quite light, and your feet don’t get tired in them.
- 4. If you have a guitar, be sure to take it on a hike! Without her, the trip would be incomplete and not so bright!
- 5. It’s better to have your own tent. I had my own assault 2-seater Tramp Sarma weighing 2.5 kg. Tested successfully! Withstood 100%!
In the Caucasus there are routes of varying levels of difficulty, and every traveler will be able to choose something for themselves.
Hiking tours in the Caucasus that we conduct
Climbing the legendary Elbrus (5642 m) — highest point the entire Caucasus, ( and, according to some, even Europe). This gigantic volcano opens up to the traveler best views harsh Caucasus mountains, it strengthens the spirit and tests the strength of anyone who dares to challenge him. Acclimatization trekking in the Elbrus region will pleasantly delight you with bright landscapes and local flavor.
Such a variety of routes, cultures and altitudes makes the Caucasus a versatile destination for hiking, where everyone can choose and discover something of their own.
Weather in the Caucasus Mountains
The array is located on the border of two climatic zones: temperate and subtropical. In addition, there is a very large difference in altitude and the influence of two seas is felt. High mountains hold back the cold northern masses, preventing them from penetrating into Transcaucasia. All this makes the climate of the Caucasus quite diverse and heterogeneous. Essentially, this means that in the Ciscaucasia it is colder and rainier than in the Transcaucasus, which belongs to the subtropical zone. The main Caucasus range lies in the temperate zone - winters are snowy, summer and early autumn are relatively dry, and spring and late autumn are rainy. In the mountains of the Western Caucasus, local cyclones often form in the summer, so there is a lot of precipitation. In areas adjacent to the Black Sea, winter is moderated by the influence of Mediterranean winds. On the Caspian coast, summers are usually very dry and hot.
In addition, in the Caucasus, the climate clearly depends on the altitude of the area. This type of climate is calledmountain and means that the higher you rise, the colder the air, the stronger the wind, and the weather can change quickly and dramatically. Therefore, if you are going on a hike in the Caucasus, you need to prepare for different situations, regardless of the area in which the trek will take place.
When is the best time to go hiking? s in the Caucasus
It depends on which part of the Caucasus you are going to. But in general, generalizations can be made.
On Main Caucasian ridge It’s better to go during the season: June - early September. You should not go between February and April, as avalanches occur in the mountains. From October to December there is a lot of rainfall. January is the month of mountaineering, but we do not recommend this kind of entertainment for beginners without serious experience of difficult winter hikes.
On Western Caucasus and in Black Sea regions You can safely go from May. The high passes are still covered in snow, but many routes are passable and the weather is stable. And all around are stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus... In the summer it rains here - be sure to take a good membrane poncho with you!
On South Caucasus in July and August it gets down to 29° C, so it’s better to go from the end of April to July, and in September - October, or be prepared for the heat. In any case, sunscreen, glasses and a hat will come in handy. The winter here is very snowy, and avalanches occur in the spring.
Hiking in the Caucasus in winter - where to go?
The Western Caucasus is ideal for winter trekking. Here are the driest and coldest winters, since the spurs of Elbrus block the path of wet sea and tropical currents. This ensures good snow conditions and a high probability of sunny weather. In this part of the Elbrus region there are low, picturesque passes and peaks from which the harsh Great Ridge is clearly visible. Many of them are on the list world heritage UNESCO. That's why , despite the “small” height, there will be something to see :). In winter, Tkhach, Lago-Naki, Fisht-Oshtensky massif and Taberda are well walked. There are many nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and natural monuments here, which are very impressive in any season.
How to get to the Caucasus
Our hikes in the Caucasus begin inNevinnomyssk, Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody and Krasnodar.You can get there by train or plane.
Trains to the Caucasus
From Moscow to these settlements there is right railway message. Fastest train (Moscow - Krasnodar) on the way 24 hours (until the final ), with stops in Nev and Nomyssk, Pyatigorsk and Min Vodakh. Tickets will cost from 4100 rubles. Two more trains on this route take a little longer - a day and a half, but are cheaper (from 3,400 rubles)
There are trains from St. Petersburg to Krasnodar, but not on all days of the week. The journey takes from 30 hours, tickets from 3200 rubles.
Direct message from Kyiv no, but you can go with a transfer in Bobruisk (R. Belarus). First, by train Kyiv - Minsk (8.5 hours), and then on Minsk - Adler to Krasnodar (38 hours, from 4000 rubles).To Minsk you need to buy tickets well in advance, because they sell out very quickly.
And from Minsk there is the mentioned Minsk - Adler.
From Krasnodar to Min Vody and Nevinnomyssk trains walk only on odd days and at night, please note This when planning a move. There are no direct routes to Pyatigorsk.
To the Caucasus by plane
In Krasnodar and Mineralnye Vody there are international airports, which significantly speeds up the picking process.
You can fly from Moscow T b to Krasnodar in 2 hours and 5000-5300 rubles. ( Ural, S7, VIN Airlines), and in Mineralnye Vody— from 3,400 rubles (which is quite comparable to the prices for moving railways!).
There are few direct flights from St. Petersburg to Krasnodar and Min Voda, they fly for at least 3 hours and cost from 9,000 rubles ( U Tair ). With a transfer in Moscow it takes longer, but a little cheaper ( S7 from 5h, 7700 rub; Nordwind - 5 hours, 7200 rubles).
There are no direct flights from Kyiv either, the cheapest flights are with two transfers, cost from 12,000 rubles and flight time is 12-20 hours(UIA+Aeroflot). Fast ones with one transfer (6 hours on the way) will cost 28,000 rubles.
From Minsk for 9,000 rubles and with a transfer in Moscow you can fly to Krasnodar in 6.5 hours.
What documents are needed to go hiking in the Caucasus?
For Russians who are going on a hike from Russia, no documents are needed. Bring your passport with you to check in at the checkpoint (some parks require this).
Citizens of the CIS can still enter Russia using an internal passport. Theoretically, they do not need a foreign passport or registration if they stay in Russia no more than 90 days in six months. But we practically advise you to take with you your international passport, return tickets and some proof of solvency (bank statement or cash, for example). Now there are no problems with crossing the border by plane or from the Republic of Belarus (there is still no communication in the conflict region). So no need to worry - you need to go hiking in the Caucasus! ;)
If you are coming from Georgia, citizens of Ukraine, Russia and the Republic of Belarus do not need a visa; entry is required abroad.
You need to get a visa to Abkhazia. How to do this, read the link.
